SIR JOSEPH WARD

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18063, 9 March 1923, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD

return to the fray CANDIDATE FOR TAURANCA. STRAIGHT-OUT LIBERAL. PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM WELLINGTON, Thursday. Sir Joseph Ward returned to Wellington this Sfternoon. In an interview he said that his health was quite restored, and that it was the hrst consideration in his deciding to attempt to re-enter public life. After referring to the representations which had induced, him to offer him-, self as a candidate, he said:— “There is unquestionably very great enthusiasm, and I think sincere, on the part of many supporters of the late Sir William Herries, apart from the Liberals, throughout the Tauranga electorate, to further my candidature. They have, communicated with me, and have told me they would do all iir their power to ensure my ’return.” Sir Joseph remarked that he had received scores of congratulations, and good wishes from all over the Dominion and from Australia, and even cable messages from London, where it appeared his re-entry into public life had been announced in one of the London dailies. In reply to a question as to hi 3 political position, Sir Joseph said: “I am standing straight out as a Liberal. I shall explain my position fully in my first address at Tauranga on Wednesday or Thursday night, but I may here say, in coming again into public life, I am not prompted by a desire to bring about chaos in the public life of the country. I think I can be of some service to the country, and I certainly want to deal with the financial position as I regard it. I think, as I have said, that I can be of assistance at the present juncture. I have every faith in the future of New Zealand/but we are not by any meahs at the end of the lane so far as the general position of the country is concerned.” LABOUR ' A* NON-STARTER. PRESS ASSOCIATION ' TELEGRAM AUCKLAND, Thursday. The Labour Party lias decided not to contest the Tauranga seat.